Pozzato had recently been linked to the controversial sports doctor Michele Ferrari, a notorious figure in cycling who has previously had links with many top cyclists including American Lance Armstrong.

A statement on the website of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) said: “In the disciplinary proceedings against Filippo Pozzato, the National Anti-Doping Tribunal... has handed down a three-month ban.”

It added that the ban was backdated “from 19 June 2012 (date of notification) and ends September 18, 2012”.

“It also condemns the athlete to pay the costs of the proceedings, calculated at 2 000 euros, and a fine equal to 10 000 euros.”

Pozzato had previously admitted receiving training programmes from Ferrari from 2005 to 2009.